Information for Volunteers
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses the magnetic properties of hydrogen and its interaction with both a large external magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of the human body. Our 4-Tesla MRI scanner was delivered to the Center of the Imaging Research, University of Cincinnati on Oct. 31, 2002. The new MRI machine is about 2.5 times more powerful than the typical 1.5-Tesla MRI devices used at area hospitals and diagnostic centers. This giant metal doughnut is filled with about 60 miles of coiled wire and supper cooled with liquid helium. It’s a magnet so powerful it will help researchers detect tiny chemical imbalances in the brain, analyze microscopic structural defects, and even “map” how the brain processes thoughts and emotions.
Who Can Participate
The CIR scans healthy normal subjects and patients. Subjects should be not have any metal in their body (including certain types of implants, clips, pins and piercings). In addition, most subjects will need to have normal, or corrected-to-normal vision and normal hearing. The scanning procedure requires that you to lie very still during the entire scan. Note that while you are in the scanner, you will be lying on your back in a relatively narrow space, so if you are very broad shouldered or of a very large build, then this may be uncomfortable for you. If you have any questions about your eligibility to participate in a scan, please consult the experimenter or the MRI technologist.
MRI Screening Checklist
Even though MRI is very safe, having any of the following conditions could make the MRI unsafe for you. Please be sure to notify the experimenter or MRI technologist if you have any of the following:
- Pacemaker or any type of implanted electronic devices
- Implanted drug infusion devises
- Neurostimulator
- Aneurysm Clips
- Surgically Implanted Metal in the body including metal pins or joints
- Shrapnel or bullet wounds
- Hearing Aid, Middle/Inner Ear Prosthesis
- Eye Implant
- Dentures
- Stents
- Transdermal patch (such as nitroglycerin or nicotine) that contains metal foil
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Permanent cosmetics or tattoos
- Possible or confirmed pregnancy
Your Examination
The magnetic resonance examination is a very simple procedure that gives very detailed results. All you, as a subject, have to do is lie very still and our MRI scanner does all the work. After you arrive for your test and before your examination, the MRI technologist will explain the procedure in great detail to give you a better idea of what will be happening. You may be asked to complete a task while in the scanner such as looking at words or pictures.
How to Prepare
No special preparation is required for this procedure.
What to Wear?
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that does not contain metal snaps, hooks, and zippers. Metal objects may affect the examination. If needed, a gown will be provided. Hair gel and eye make-up may also affect the examination. Please remove any piercings from the face and body. Prior to the examination, you will be asked to remove any metal objects such as jewelry, watches, hair pins, credit cards, coins, ID badges, cell phones, and pagers. You will be given a locker to hold your belongings during the exam.
What to Expect?
After a screening process, our MRI technologist will escort you into the MRI exam room. You will lie down on our padded table, which will slowly move into the center of the magnet. You will hear a series of loud pinging noises, but don’t be startled, this is just the sound of our scanner recording images of you. You may be wearing special goggles that allow you to see an experimental task. If needed, you may wear your contact lenses, or we can insert special prescription lenses into the goggles.
Test Length
An MRI scan can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The scan time will depend on the type of the research being conducted.
Communication During Exam
Our 4 Tesla MRI system is equipped with an intercom system that allows for constant communication between the subject and the MRI technologist. During the exam, you will receive the instructions through the headphones and be able to talk with a technician. These headphones will also allow you to listen to the music of your choice during some or all of the scans. We have a collection of music CDs, but we encourage you to bring your own.
Refusal or Withdrawal of Participation
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Your present or future medical care will not be affected should you choose not to participate in a study at the CIR. If you decide to participate, you may change your mind at any time and drop out of the study at any time without affecting your present or future care. In addition, the doctor in charge of this study may decide to end your participation in this study at any time after he/she has explained the reasons for doing so and has helped arrange for your continued care by your own doctor, if necessary.
MRI Safety
About 10 million patients a year undergo a MRI scan. MRI has been shown to be very safe as long as the proper safety precautions are taken. The MRI procedure does not produce any pain, nor does it cause any known short- or long-term tissue damage.
Potential risks from this study are minimal but include possible fatigue and frustration from the lengthy scanning procedure. The FDA has approved human MRI research at 4.0 Tesla. There are no known direct adverse effects from receiving an MRI scan at 4.0 Tesla. All subjects will be appropriately screened by the MRI technologist for the presence of any potentially magnetic (metallic) objects. The CIR is equipped with a metal detector in order to ensure that no magnetic materials enter the scanning room.
Getting to the CIR
Please read directions to the CIR from the directions page.